Courtesy of the Reading Berks Conference of Churches |
Visitors and exhibitors interact at the 2017 Expo.

Courtesy of the Reading Berks Conference of Churches |
Dr. Stephen Jackson, left, and Patrick Tutella share thoughts and interaction on the topic of racism at a 2017 Expo workshop.

Courtesy of the Reading Berks Conference of Churches |
Carolyn Schnizler Wilt from Thrivent Financial answers questions from visitors to last year's Christian Resource Expo at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.

Reading Eagle: Ben Hasty |
Michael J. Kaucher, executive director of the Reading Berks Conference of Churches, says there are opportunities at the Christian Resource Expo for churches and church members to get engaged with activities or find out about available resources.

Christian Resource Expo to be held Feb. 6 at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

The event is intended not only to link churches and church members with resources and events, but to bring people together in community.

Written by By Susan Shelly - Reading Eagle correspondent

If you go

What: Second annual Christian Resource Expo

When: Feb. 6, 3-7:30 p.m.

Where: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St.

Includes: Vendor expo from 4-6 p.m., workshops at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and music from 5:45 until 7:30

Cost: Admission and events are free; registration requested for workshops

To register: Call the Reading Berks Conference of Churches at 610-375-6108 or email Jill Robertson at jrobertson@readingberkschurches.org.

For more information: Visit www.readingberkschurches.org

Reading, PA —

A Christian Resource Expo set for Feb. 6 at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., is intended not only to link churches and church members with resources and events, but to bring people together in community.

"We're better together than we are separately," said Michael Kaucher, executive director of Reading Berks Conference of Churches (RBCC), which is sponsoring the free event. "There are opportunities at the expo to get engaged with activities or find out about available resources. And then there's the aspect of just getting to know each other."

The expo began last year at the suggestion of Jill Robertson, RBCC administrative assistant, who served many years previously as a church secretary.

Robertson got the idea to bring resources for churches together in one location while fielding calls from area church representatives who were frustrated because they could not find supplies and items that they needed for their churches.

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A big part of the problem, Robertson shared, is that many Christian bookstores, typically a place where many resources for churches could be obtained, have closed.

"Those bookstores were the source for all of your church needs," Robertson said. "And, as they've shut down, nothing has replaced them and churches are having a hard time finding items and resources they need."

The Christian expo was a success in its first year, Robertson said, and has attracted twice as many exhibitors this year as last.

"It's definitely something that people want," she noted.

Included among the more than 50 exhibitors are camps and outdoors recreational facilities; county agencies, including Berks County Agency on Aging and the Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs; sports franchises, including the Reading Royals and Reading Fightin' Phils; Santander Arena and Performing Arts Center; and Berks Encore.

Those attending the expo can connect with fun activities such as the Colebrookdale Railroad or the GoggleWorks, and even learn about getting a tattoo from Jimmy Maria, owner of Cross Keys Tattoo Studio.

Also represented are insurers, building contractors, site planners, music companies, office supply firms and financial resources, all of which specialize in working with religious organizations.

"There's something for everybody this year," said Pamela Kaucher, office assistant and volunteer for RBCC. "There are exhibitors that will be of interest to older adults and their caregivers, some that offer family-based activities. There's something for every age."

In addition to exhibitors, three free workshops will be held.

At 3 p.m., representatives from Joni & Friends, an international ministry that works with churches to provide tools for welcoming those with disabilities, will talk about the "Buddy Program."

The Buddy Program provides resources, tools and training for congregations that wish to expand their accessibility and become more welcoming.

Also at 3 p.m., Marlane Druckenmiller, a retired deacon of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will speak on "Does Your Church Need Hospice?"

The talk discusses signs that a congregation may be nearing the end of its life span, and how churches can begin to prepare for possible closures.

At 6 p.m., Christian author and inspiration speaker Carol Cool will present "Finding Balance in the Circus of Life." The talk explores which circus act you're currently with, whether you may feel overwhelmed because you're performing with the wrong act, and God's desired place for you.

There is no cost for the workshops, but registration would be appreciated. You can register by call RBCC at 610-375-6108 or by emailing Robertson at jrobertson@readingberkschurches.org.

The first 100 expo visitors will receive a free goodie bag, and prizes will be given throughout the event.

"We just want to make it fun for people to come together and get to know each other and what's available for them within the community," Pamela Kaucher said. "It's going to be a lot of fun."

A variety of musicians, including the Mountain View Youth Group Worship Team, Three Fold Blessing, Conlan Kerschner, Jennifer Kaucher, Dave Reinwald and the Feet-on-the Street Worship Team will perform from 5:45 until 7:30 p.m.

A brief worship service will be held at 6 p.m.

Contact Susan Shelly: life@readingeagle.com.

If you go

What: Second annual Christian Resource Expo

When: Feb. 6, 3-7:30 p.m.

Where: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St.

Includes: Vendor expo from 4-6 p.m., workshops at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and music from 5:45 until 7:30

Cost: Admission and events are free; registration requested for workshops

To register: Call the Reading Berks Conference of Churches at 610-375-6108 or email Jill Robertson at jrobertson@readingberkschurches.org.